Earth Day is celebrated every year in April to celebrate nature and its beauty and bring awareness to environmental concerns ongoing worldwide. Earth Day serves as a way for individuals globally to re-connect with nature and provides opportunities for people to get outside and educate themselves within their communities. Earth Day was founded in 1970 as a day dedicated to education about environmental issues as a response to the environmental crisis and spread to become a global movement for climate action. Earth Day continues to bring awareness of environmental issues including climate change, air quality, invasive species, and species population decline both locally and globally.
Here in Florida, there is a lot of work being done to help stop the decline of native animal populations by helping protect and restore native habitats for these species, working to study and manage non-native and invasive species throughout the state and decrease the impact urban development has had on native habitats. This includes working to protect and restore the Everglades, one of the largest wetlands in North America that provides clean drinking water for millions of people and habitats for over 2000 species of plants and animals including birds, turtles, and alligators. Currently, the Everglades is around a third of its original size with much of its flow inhibited by previous dredging and draining to allow for urban development.
Ways to Celebrate Earth Day:
Look around your community for local events
Often local communities or businesses will host events around this time to celebrate nature and Earth Day
Visit a local nature center or natural area
Around local communities there are areas and centers that serve to educate and assist native populations in these communities year-round
While the words venom and poison may often be used interchangeably, they do in fact mean two different things. Poison and venom are both substances that can be lethal or irritating to organisms when they are encountered. These substances contain toxins that are stored in various organs or structures of the organism. Poison is a substance that can be lethal when ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through skin. Venom is produced by the organism and is then injected into the bloodstream of its prey through a bite or sting.
Even if an animal is venomous, they do not always inject venom when they bite or sting. Venom takes time and energy for the organism to produce so it is beneficial for the venomous organism to use it wisely. Venomous animals will often exhibit “dry bites” that are offered as a warning for offending organisms to stay away.
While poisonous organisms cannot control the amount of poison delivered since they do not inject it, they do often display warning colors such as bright red, orange, yellow, and blue (known as aposematism)that act as a warning to potential predators. Since poison can be held and secreted through structures on the organism’s body, it is important to wear proper protection when interacting with them.
Here in Florida, we have a variety of venomous and poisonous plants and animals. We have venomous snakes, spiders, insects, fish and poisonous toads and plants. When you encounter an organism that is venomous or poisonous, it is important to keep your distance and do not interact with organisms if possible. If you do need to remove the organism, take proper precautions, or call a professional. If you are bitten by a venomous snake or spider or have a negative reaction to a poison, remain calm and seek medical attention ASAP.
On April 8th this year there will be a total solar eclipse. The last total solar eclipse occurred in 2017 and lasted for around 2 minutes. The solar eclipse this year is predicted to last around 4 ½ minutes almost double the time of the last one. The solar eclipse occurs when the moon orbits in the sun’s path at the right angle where it appears to cover it. Depending on where you are on the planet, the moon might appear to completely cover the sun. This leads to a temporary darkness that will last for a varying amount of time depending on where in the country you are and where on the path you are. The path of totality this year will pass through Mexico then come through the US from Texas all the way to Maine then continues into the eastern part of Canada. Below is a link to the path of totality so you can see where you are in the path. Here in Florida, we are unfortunately out of the path of totality, but we will still be able to experience a partial solar eclipse. Below is a list of how to prepare if you are planning on watching the solar eclipse on Monday, April 8th.
Cultural Significance
Ancient cultures came up with stories and myths to help explain the phenomena of the solar eclipse which have continued to be shared even today. From a bear walking along the Milky Way (used by the Poma tribe) to Ra (the Egyptian sun god) being chased by his nemesis, a snake, these stories have been passed down and told for generations to explain and celebrate this natural phenomenon. Many religions around the world have also found ways to explain the solar eclipse by viewing it as a message from God or viewing it as a spiritual time. Some cultures and religions saw this time as a test or a reminder from their God or gods intended to scare them while others saw it as a time for spirituality or reflection.
When staring at the solar eclipse, it is important to remember you are still staring at the sun and will need special eyewear to directly watch the solar eclipse- SUNGLASSES ARE NOT PROTECTIVE ENOUGH
You can find different ways to make your own at-home eye protection with cereal boxes and tin foil or other household items online
Here is a link for an example of homemade solar eclipse glasses/viewers
Know the time of the eclipse
Due to the rotation of the Earth within the path of totality, make sure you know the time that the solar eclipse will be occurring in your area.
Of all the animals here in Florida, one of the more notable species is the manatee. Manatee Appreciation Day is celebrated on the last Wednesday in March to raise awareness of their role in the ecosystem and conservation efforts in place to help with the challenges these animals face. Manatees are mammals that live in many aquatic ecosystems. These animals rely on seagrass communities for their food. Since these communities are declining worldwide, the manatee populations have suffered due to a lack of natural resources. These seagrass communities not only help manatee populations, but other organisms including octopi, sea turtles, shrimp, crabs, and oysters utilize these areas for food, shelter, and even nurseries. Seagrass also helps to protect coastal areas from erosion which helps protect houses and coastal developments. Manatees help protect the health of this ecosystem by eating and maintaining the growth of the grass.
This decline in natural resources is not the only thing that has been negatively impacting the manatee population. Human impacts such as boating-related accidents and water pollution have harmed individual animals and the ecosystem where they live. Boaters often will not see these animals in shallow areas or disregard signage indicating the presence of these animals or mandatory speed limits. Conservation organizations are working hard to improve the ecosystems for manatees, clean up water pollution, and educate the public about manatees and the value they provide.
Things you can do to help manatees:
Obey all speed zone signs and look out for manatees when boating.
Dispose of your trash properly.
Support conservation organizations
Participate in coastal cleanup events.
Attend boating safety classes or take online courses.
International Day of Forests celebrates the importance of forests and the important roles they play for various organisms and ecosystems worldwide. This date was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012 to celebrate and raise awareness of the importance of all types of forests. Forests provide habitat and food for many of the world’s organisms including birds, snakes, turtles, insects, and plants. Forests are also known for their ability to filter out CO2 from the atmosphere and produce oxygen. The Amazon Rainforest, which some have called the lungs of the Earth, produces around 20% of the Earth’s oxygen supply. Forests are valuable for the wellbeing of the world around us and the biodiversity of organisms on the planet. However, there has been in recent years concern with the alarming rate at which we are losing hectares of forests annually.
Forest Loss
The loss of forests around the world has been due to a variety of things including deforestation and an increase in forest fires. Around 10 million hectares of land are lost annually due to deforestation and around 70 million are being affected by fires annually. Deforestation worldwide is due to an increase in urban development, farming, and agricultural land to meet the demands of an exponentially growing population. Forest fires are common in these ecosystems, however in the past couple decades, an increased number of forests have been affecting these ecosystems greatly. A decrease in forest management (which includes fires) has led to larger and less controlled fires. Innovation has been done to develop early warning systems, empowering Indigenous voices worldwide through land mapping and climate finance access, and sustainable production of the good and services that come from forests (lumber, coffee, fruit, etc.).
Worldwide there are around 600 different species of rays. The ray species is comprised of many different types of organisms including stingrays, skates, manta rays, and sawfishes. These fish species are often found in more temperate parts of the ocean, brackish water, and even freshwater. Stingrays are known as benthic fish, or fish that tend to stay at or around the bottom of their habitats. They will spend a lot of their time partially buried in the sand for protection. Stingrays are known for their ability to use the serrated edges and sharp points on their spines (barbs) for hunting and protection. The underside of the spines of some stingray species can produce venom which is used to hunt prey and protect themselves. Around 70 different stingray species can also produce an electrical discharge through their barb which also helps with hunting and protection by stunning their prey or predator. These animals can be found feeding on organisms like crustaceans, small fish, snails, clams, shrimp, and other small creatures often on the bottom of bodies of water. Since rays are known for being long and flat, they swim in a more unique way. They will either ungulate their bodies like a wave or flap the sides of their bodies like wings. Different species of stingrays have varying home ranges and distribution patterns. Some species of stingrays can be found in oceans worldwide, whereas some have a much smaller home range. Here in Florida, we have around 15 species of rays that live in different bodies of water located within the state.
Species of stingrays found in Florida:
Atlantic Stingray, Dasyatis sabina
Bluntnose Stingray, Dasyatis say
Roughtail Stingray, Dasyatis centroura
Southern Stingray, Dasyatis americana
Yellow Stingray, Urobatis jamaicensis
Humans and Stingray Interactions
Negative interactions between stingrays and humans are very limited, especially out in the wild. As stingrays are usually very peaceful and non-aggressive, they usually only occur when the stingray feels threatened. There are ways to reduce your chance of being harmed by these secretive animals. Stingray stings mainly occur when the animal is stepped on. To reduce your chance of a painful interaction, make sure to shuffle your feet when wading through the water to scare away any buried ray. When participating in recreational activities like snorkeling or diving, make sure to stay aware of your surroundings and do not initiate contact with a wild stingray or any wild animal. In any water activities, it is always important to have another person with you in case an emergency happens.
As to be expected around the start of spring, lots of animals are out and about looking for mates or nesting areas. But one animal that makes its presence known loudly in South Florida is the limpkin. As they are well camouflaged in wetland areas in South and Central America, and the southern part of North America (although there have been sightings of them as far up as Wisconsin and even into Canada), they are heard more than they are seen. These birds are known for being very loud with their characteristic screeches and wails made especially by the male. These sounds are made when they are courting another mate, establishing territory, feeding, or when a predator such as an alligator is spotted. They are often heard around dusk, dawn, and during the night. So, if you hear an unknown screech during the nighttime that wakes you up, it might just be a limpkin calling to others.
These birds tend to prefer hot, humid wetland areas, but can also be spotted in agricultural areas such as cane fields and canals or ditches. They are active during the day but can also be found foraging around in wetland areas at night. They stay around wetland areas because they forage primarily in shallow waters and tend to stay under covered areas. Here in Florida, they primarily eat apple snails with their beaks adapted to easily extract these snails out of their shells. They will also eat other types of snails and freshwater mussels. During times of drought or flooding, they will eat other organisms such as insects, frogs, crustaceans, and worms. Their long toes allow these birds to stand on floating plants to look for food underneath the plants.
The term “wildland fire” is a more general term for wildfires that are intentionally set as part of a prescribed burn. A prescribed or controlled burn is a fire purposely set to help manage and control certain areas of land. The term prescribed burn comes from the fact that land managers require a “prescription” to be fulfilled before a fire can be started. This includes the right conditions such as temperature, wind, weather, and the designation of a specific area. These requirements need to be met to ensure the effectiveness of the burn while making sure these man-made fires can be properly contained and managed while burning. The management of the land through prescribed fires supports the needs of the land and the organisms living there by removing invasive plants and ensuring room for the growth of smaller and younger plants that provide food for animals and a reduced understory.
While the term wildfire often comes with a negative connotation, wildfires in some ecosystems are necessary to maintain the health of the ecosystem. This may seem counterintuitive since wildfires cause destruction. Organisms in certain ecosystems will rely on fire to help them grow and develop and even continue their lifecycle. Without prescribed or natural burns, there could be a buildup of natural materials (dead or decaying organisms) which could prevent organisms in the soil from accessing these necessary nutrients or block plants and animals from accessing the soil underneath. Fires help to remove and even prevent build-up from occurring when they occur regularly in an ecosystem. The removal of undergrowth can also prevent out-of-control wildfires that can cause a major disaster.
Fire has always been a natural occurrence in the Everglades. These naturally occurring fires from lightning strikes also helped to shape the landscape here in South Florida. These wildfires helped to stimulate plant growth and flowering of the native landscape after a burn occurred. The native Americans and pioneers in these areas used fires for centuries and understood the benefits they had on the vegetation and wildlife. Today, a fire management plan is put in place for the Everglades National Park to help ensure the management and survival of this national park. This plan includes the use of prescribed fires to “help reduce the risk of wildfire impacts on cultural resources, park infrastructure, and the surrounding communities” while also “allow[ing] [Everglades National Park Division of Fire and Aviation staff] to manage smoke impacts outside the boundaries of the Park’s fire-dependent ecosystem” according to the National Park Service’s page on fire operations in Everglades National Park.
The red-cockaded woodpecker used to be very abundant in the southeastern United States. Their range used to extend north to New Jersey and inland towards Missouri, Kentucky, and Tennessee, however, due to habitat loss and fire suppression their range has declined. Today, their range runs north to parts of Virginia, all the way south to Florida, and out west towards Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Texas. These woodpeckers are found in open pineland habitats (ideally mature pinelands) with an open understory. Populations of this bird have become scattered throughout their range due to habitat loss because of land clearing, logging, and conversion of forest into agricultural uses. This habitat loss has contributed to a decline in the population, where they are now deemed as near threatened on the IUCN red list. To help improve the populations of these woodpeckers, scientists and conservationists have come together to help count and manage the population through the translocation of individual birds or breeding pairs into more populated areas which provide mates and habitats that support breeding pairs and increase genetic diversity.
Prescribed Burns
Wildfires often have a negative connotation due to the impact they have, however, these are naturally occurring events. These fires occur from natural events such as lightning strikes, high winds and temperatures, and natural sparks which create friction and heat. Many ecosystems have come to rely on the role of these fires that help with the maintenance of the ecosystem overall. Decreased natural fires in a natural setting increase the likelihood of non-native and even invasive species in an area. Natural burns also help to maintain the life cycles of natural plants and animals in that ecosystem. Overgrowth of taller and mature trees prevents new growth underneath them from developing fully due to a lack of natural resources such as sunlight. Since these woodpeckers rely on open understories for hunting and foraging, the maintenance of the understory through frequent fires is important for their survival. These birds are insectivores (animals that eat insects), feeding mainly on ants, beetles, cockroaches, and spiders among other insects that dwell in the bark of trees. They will also supplement their diet with seeds and berries as well.
Keystone Species
The red-cockaded woodpecker is known as a keystone species due to the tree cavities and nests they build in live pine trees. Keystone species are defined as a species whose role is necessary for the ecosystem and cannot be replaced. If these species are removed, it will affect the entire ecosystem because many other organisms rely on their services. These woodpeckers are unique as they are some of the only species that will build nest cavities into live pine trees. These tree cavities that these woodpeckers build help provide shelter and protection from fire for around 30 other species including birds, lizards, squirrels, frogs, and snakes. With this species’ population declining and being deemed as near-threatened, scientists are becoming more concerned with increasing population sizes through proper management and protection of their habitats. This is being done by helping relocate breeding pairs to pre-determined locations that can fully support these pairs.
Keystone species are defined as species that other species depend on, and that if removed, would drastically change the ecosystem where they live. The species play such a fundamental role that they cannot be easily lost or replaced. This includes animals like beavers whose dams help protect and provide habitat for many other organisms and grey wolves who provide population control. Here in Florida, we have local examples that live across the state, including both animals and plants. Below are some of Florida’s major keystone species and how they help maintain the ecosystem around them.
American Alligator, Alligator mississippiensis
The American alligator is a well-known species here in Florida, especially around the Everglades. This species has been around for millions of years and has been hunted by humans and used for various things like food and fashion. Overhunting of alligators in the mid-20th century led to a rapid population decline. This decline resulted in a massive shift in the environment with other species being impacted. Scientists and researchers started studying this shift and found that alligators provide a vital ecological service to the ecosystem- alligator holes. These holes are dug by alligators and used by many different species including turtles, birds, fish, and insects. These holes are filled up during the wet season by rainwater and then hold water to provide habitat and water for other species during the dry season. Upon recognition of this service’s importance to the ecosystem, conservation plans were put in place to help improve the declining population of alligators and led to the recovery of the alligator population from the brink of extinction.
Gopher Tortoise, Gopherus polyphemus
The gopher tortoise is a tortoise species that spans the southeast US. This tortoise species is one of only 5 in North America and the only one found east of the Mississippi River. Like many other tortoise species, these animals are known for their burrows and will spend a lot of their time in them. These burrows are the reason these animals are keystone species. Their burrows are sheltered for themselves as well as over 350 other species. These include the eastern indigo snake and the burrowing owl among many others. This species, however, is regionally threatened due to its declining population. This is largely due to habitat loss and destruction due to urban development, but improper land management and increased car collisions play a role as well. Since the reclassification of these tortoises in 2007, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has put together a Gopher Tortoise management plan that is meant to “restore and maintain secure, viable populations of gopher tortoises throughout Florida so the species no longer warrants listing.”
Oaks, Quercus sp.
As mentioned above, keystone species includes both animals and plants. Native plants help to support different native species like insects and birds by providing shelter and food. While some may only be valuable to a limited number of species, tree species like oaks are valuable and essential for many different species. Animals like squirrels, woodpeckers, raccoons, hummingbirds, and white-tailed deer depend on oak trees. Oak species here in Florida are host to more than 350 caterpillar species. This includes different types of Duskywing (Horace’s Duskywing, Juvenal’s Duskywing) and Hairstreak caterpillars (red-banded hairstreak, white-banded hairstreak, oak hairstreak). Here in Florida, there are many different types of oaks including the Laurel Oak (Quercus laurifolia), the Live Oak (Quercus virginiana), the Chapman’s Oak (Quercus chapmanii), the Water Oak (Quercus nigra) and the Running Oak (Quercus pumila).
